IND vs AUS 2023: Nagpur and Delhi pitches rated 'average' by ICC

While there was much talk surrounding the pitches prior to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the wicket in Nagpur and Delhi have been rated as ‘average’ by the ICC. Team India is currently in the midst of a four-match Test series against fierce rivals Australia.

Leading to the first Test in Nagpur, many fans and members of the cricketing fraternity opined that the Indian management is preparing a surface which would assist the home side. In both red-ball clashes, the hosts won inside three days.

As a result, the tracks in Nagpur and Delhi have been handed an ‘average’ rating by ICC and match referee Andy Pycroft, cricket sources told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

India retain Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Amidst the talks on the pitches, Rohit Sharma and Co. have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series to retain the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It is worth noting that the Aussies have not found success in Test series on Indian soil since the 2004/05 season. Moreover, the Indian team put a screeching halt to Australia’s dominance, who obtained back-to-back wins against West Indies and South Africa towards the end of 2022.

In addition to this, Australia’s wait for a place in the summit clash of the World Test Championship continues following the 2-0 loss in the four-match series. On the other hand, India have firmed up their chances as obtaining a win in any one of the last two Test matches will result in them cementing a berth in the finals of the global ICC event.

Following the final two Test matches, the two cricketing heavyweights will contest in a three-match ODI series which is scheduled to be played on March 17 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.